by Yerindideke Kindness Ayibakuro
In this interview with Amos Ongokori Ineididei (Bobby Chant), a Bayelsa based artist who has made tremendous impact in the music industry in the niger delta and Nigeria as a whole, tells us his journey into the entertainment industry.
Bobby chant, who would be launching his hit single/video premier “I love Nigeria”on Saturday 24th April, 2021, spoke to TarakiriVoice newspaper, reveals the inspiration behind the song which has been trending on the internet.
Briefly tell us about yourself?
My name is Amos Ongokori Ineididei popularly known as Bobby Chant, hails from Igbedi community in Kolokuma/ Opkuma LGA in Bayelsa. I was born in port Harcourt where I attended my primary and secondary school education and am a upper class computer science graduate from rivers state polytechnic. I am someone that loves nation building.
How did you come up with the name Bobby Chant?
Bobby chant is a childhood name which started from my home as bobby through the relationship with my mum, later it became popular in my secondary school days as bobby chant and now it has become a household name in the entertainment industry and even at home.
What inspired you into music?
As a child growing up, music has always been part of my family. I was assisting my elder sister to write her songs and later I started writing mine. Though, late Michael Jackson has always been my source of inspiration and role model ever since I was a child and now.
What is the inspiration behind ‘’I love Nigeria’’?
The inspiration is divine, though every other of my songs are special as well. I was sleeping with my friend in our apartment when it came as a revelation in my dream when I was singing the song and even when I woke up I was still singing it. Then I put it into writing and recording.
Though there was a challenge when the song came out during the #ENDSARS protest, discouragement from friends and the only thing I told myself was ‘the inspiration is from God and nothing can stop me.’
Do you feature anyone in the song?
I did not feature anyone but the back up and producer is Akeem Da-Beat who was backing me up.
How do you feel to launch your single video premier?
I love Nigeria single music/video premier was ready since December 2020. There is a comic version of it.
It is not just a song but a global project that will enhance our core values in Nigeria and I feel so great to launch it in my home-state come 24th April, 2021, at Gabriel cultural centre.
Is this your first major single launching?
No! I have a EP album which consist of five tracks titled Izon boy in 2017, dropped two other singles before this divine song that is trending all over the south-south region. And I am in my LP which is my full album which is like this project I’m launching now.
What is Chant Entertainment all about?
Chant Entertainment is subsidiary of chant entertainment and property, a business which I am the CEO. Chant entertainment is for everyone because it covers event planning and every aspect of entertainment and entrepreneurship.
What can you say about the entertainment industry in Bayelsa state and the Niger Delta?
In Bayelsa, the industry is really moving faster and cool. One thing about life is not by human act but the grace of God that one can succeed. It is not how you want it but how God wants it.
Why I said it’s cool, for some while now Bayelsa entertainment is heard globally, as music artists like Jah Wanda, Jovin, Black J, and many others.
What should your fans and everyone come 24th of April, 2021 expecting from you?
Everyone should be expecting something professional and nice on that day. It will be coupled with outstanding individuals within and outside the state to socialize with us. My fans should be expecting the best because I’m just a convener but God is the main convener.
Who is the child actor in your “I love Nigeria” single/video premier?
Prosper is a Bayelsa talented child actor/dancer that will showcase his passion and talent on the event.
What is your advice to everyone especially Bayelsa upcoming artist?
I used to correct the perspective of people when they say Bayelsa leaders don’t promote the entertainment industry, there is one thing, to showcase your talent and another to back it up and that’s what Prosper is doing in the single launching/ video premier.
I urged the government, NGOs and well meaning individuals to bring the best in the Bayelsa born child actor and equally the chant entertainment.
I also believe God that this project will be a global one that will impact lives positively, and Prosper will prosper as his name implies.
He urged every Yenagoa resident to attend the event at the Gabriel Okara Cultural center as gate fee is FREE.
